Carry all in your carry-on

AIR travel doesn’t come cheap. While the occasional seat sale saves travelers a few bucks, but alas, the price doesn’t include checked-in baggage. If you don’t want to spend on extra baggage (and I completely understand), fret not, the seven kilograms allowance for your carry-on is very much sufficient. Here are some useful tips on how to pack light on your next holiday:

A carry-on back pack with travel essentials good for 14 days and weighing less than 7 kilos.

Roll, don’t fold.

It lessens wrinkles and maximizes space. It’ll be easier to see and take out clothes, too.

Edit, edit, edit.

First, lay out all the things (you think) you need. From there, edit and take out whatever you can sacrifice until you’re down to the absolute essentials.

Choose light clothes.

Most especially if you’re going somewhere tropical. Clothes in fabrics like cotton, linen or chambray are lightweight and don’t take up a lot of space.

Wear the heavy, chunky pieces in transit.

Wear the heavier articles of clothing like a pair of denim, a bomber jacket or a pair of sneakers en route so you can put more in your carry-on.

Ask your accommodation about provisions like towels and toiletries.

Whether it’s a home stay, hostel or hotel, accommodations usually provide essentials like bath towels, toiletries and slippers so make sure to ask beforehand so you’ll know what you don’t have to bring.

Get a light suitcase or bag.

The weight of the bag itself is just as crucial as the weight of the items inside of it. Get a carry-on suitcase that’s made in a lightweight material but still durable.

Opt for versatile pieces.

Choose clothes that you can mix and match and repeat inconspicuously. If it’s a one-time wear kind of piece, it would probably be best to leave it at home.

Wash your clothes.

You can bring a tiny sachet of detergent and wash your clothes while you’re traveling so you can pack less clothes but still wear them again clean and fresh.

Plan with your travel companion.

If you’re traveling with a friend, family member or significant other, plan and pack together — it’ll make such a huge difference. Assign who brings what, so you don’t repeat items. If you have similar styles, you can even coordinate outfits.

Take advantage of your personal item.

Aside from a carry-on, each passenger is also entitled to a personal item. Use a small backpack—it’s compact enough to stow under the seat in front of you but still roomy enough for your valuables.